BRATTLEBORO — I have been observing and interacting with Brattleboro Selectboards for over 40 years. I have witnessed some very good boards and some pretty poor boards. Most have been average.
I don't rate boards on whether they agree with my positions, but rather on their willingness to listen and to consider various points of view with some objectivity, on how they treat citizens at meetings, and on the truthfulness of their deliberations.
I would rate the board of the past five-plus years above average. Meetings are properly structured so citizens have adequate opportunities to speak. Board members are attentive and ask questions without putting down the speaker. Both the staff and board show professionalism.
All good things must come to an end, but I am sorry to see Dave Gartenstein and Dick DeGray go.